Cain hires defamation lawyer to monitor accusations

Wood, a top libel and defamation lawyer, was hired on Monday morning when it became clear that Sharon Bialek was about to become the first of four women alleging inappropriate behavior by Cain to go public with her accusations. …

Cain has repeatedly denied the sexual harassment accusations. At a Republican debate Wednesday, he said: “The American people deserve better than someone being tried in the court of public opinion based on unfounded accusations.” …

Wood said he was retained by Cain and not by his campaign. He said he feels strongly about “guilt by accusation” cases. “I have seen how it has devastated the lives of other clients of mine and I would hate to see it happen to Mr. Cain.”